We are a family of 7, including a father, mother, four sisters, and one brother. Our family’s livelihood solely depends on the produce from the 4 bighas (1 hectare) of agricultural land, out of which only half is irrigated.

The Todi Village is small in terms of population but has scattered settlements in Banswara District, Rajasthan. In summer, water scarcity poses a serious challenge despite a canal running within a 30km radius of the village. The village remains untouched by the canal whereas nearby areas are flourishing.

Kamlesh, 27, says, “In order to support the family my father migrate every year to Baroda, Gujarat to work in a Brick kiln during the summer season and comes back in monsoon (June to September). Since 2012, I also started joining him, as we needed money for my sister’s marriage.”

Migration for work is normal in the village due to very limited income opportunities. Summer season leaves wells dried, lakes parched, canals empty and hand pumps abandoned due to extreme heat pushing people to look for work in different states.

“I came back from Gujarat, 2 years after my marriage; only to find out that to sow crops in Rabi season (October to April) we have to buy water from other farmers’ lake or well, which increased the cost of cultivation and significantly lowered the profits after harvesting,” says Kamlesh anxiously while talking about the unfavorable situation.

Kamlesh was eager to find ways to irrigate his farm, during a casual discussion with friends, he came to know about the existing Kisan Club. He joined the Kisan Club formed under the Saksham-III program working on sustainable agriculture and good governance. Saksham team helps the community in microplanning and enlisting significant development priorities for the community itself.

Kamlesh says, “I did not know what is meant by micro-planning and how it is done? However, I only knew that we could put forth our needs in front of the panchayat and they have to resolve it.” He continued, “Many people raised community issues so, I also gathered courage and shared the need for an individual water well on the farm. I did not believe that it will be granted or not…I just had to try.”

Even though I raised my personal request during micro-plan activity, the Saksham team, asked him to submit a written application in Gram Sabha on 15th August 2022. The team also help him to write an application. “Along with my father Mr. Valu, I attended the Gram Sabha and submitted the application for individual well,” shared Kamlesh upon asking about the status of the application.

Saksham team also suggested following up with the panchayat about the status of his application. “Our application got sanctioned in October itself and work also started at the end of the month. I am happy that now I can take Rabi crops with full land under irrigation.” In addition, Kamlesh bought a water pump, in November, to irrigate his farm at the earliest. Upon enquiring about its water well’s resourcefulness, he added, “I am providing water to neighboring farmers for irrigation and get some extra money i.e. nearly ₹ 100 per hour of water supply.”

His father, Mr. Valu Mapi explained enthusiastically, “Now that we have our own water supply! We have sown wheat this season in all 4 bighas (1 hectare) and we are hopeful that after harvest we can make some sizable profit.”

“I am happy that now, me and my son, do not have to migrate to Gujarat for work – leaving our families alone. My whole family can now work in farm with full effort and strength and earn enough to live happily and with content,” Mr. Valu Mapi verbalized his delicate emotions, thinking about his struggles and present situation.